Electronic interactive toy for promoting learning in a child

ABSTRACT

A system where a child or other individual arranges one or more computer-recognizable characters on a working platform to spell words or provide a mathematical result in response to computer generated questions or prompts, the system then indicating whether the words or mathematical result is correct.

This is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/890,294,filed Jul. 9, 1997, issued Oct. 20, 1998 as U.S. Pat. No. 5,823,782,which was file wrapper continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 08/581,437, filed Dec. 29, 1995, now abandoned.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an educational system for teachingchildren language and/or arithmetic, and in particular to a system wherea child arranges one or more computer-recognizable characters on aworking platform to spell words or provide a mathematical result inresponse to computer generated questions or prompts, the system thenindicating whether the words or mathematical result is correct.

2. Description of the Related Art

As computers continue to grow faster and smarter and smaller, they havebecome omnipresent, reaching people of all shapes and sizes.Nevertheless, there remains one unchanging constant: in order for thecomputer to provide the information or operate as desired, some type ofdata must be provided to the computer. From punchcards in the late 60'sand 70's to teletypes of the 70's and 80's to CRTs of the 80's and tomouses and keyboards of today, there always remains a way for the userto enter data into the computer.

There has been one segment of the population that has largely beenexcluded from the computer revolution, the young child. This is trueprimarily for two reasons. First, young children have not yet developedthe mental capabilities or the motor skills to interact well withconventional computers, which require data to be entered, for examplevia the key board or mouse, in a fixed format. Secondly, young childrenare interested and entertained by simple sensory input, and the vastresources offered by conventional computers are generally too advancedto be of interest to them.

One simple sensory input of great interest to children is the sense oftouch. It is why young children are commonly more interested in the boxor wrapping of a gift than the actual gift contained therein. Severalgames have been developed which indulge a child's sense of touch, suchas for example those including building blocks. Some such tactilesystems also include letters in an attempt to educate a child while theyare using the blocks. However, such tactile systems are ineffectivewithout adult instruction as to what the letters represent. Moreover,the inventors of the present invention are unaware of any such tactilesystems that work in combination with the vast resources provided by acomputer.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an easy touse, safe and fun computer data entry device for children.

It is a further object of the present invention to make learningenjoyable for children by providing an educational system includingtactile blocks that may be handled by a child indulges a child'senjoyment of.

It is another object of the present invention to combine a tactileeducational system with the vast resources provided by a computer.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a system foreducating children, which may be used by a child without the aid orpresence of an adult, and which may be used by a child at his or her ownpace.

These and other objects are accomplished by the present invention, whichtakes advantage of the fact that children enjoy the tactile feel ofsmall hand-held blocks in combination with a system to teach themlanguage and/or arithmetic. According to the invention, a workingplatform has a surface for receiving a plurality of blocks, which blocksinclude characters on one or more surfaces thereof. When a block isplaced on the working platform, the platform is capable of recognizingthe location of the block, and the identification of the block.

The blocks are designed to look and feel like the spelling blocks thatare typically found on the market today—i.e., they may be made of woodor plastic and easily fit into young child's hand; they have big, brightletters or pictures or symbols etched or displayed in a variety ofcolors on one or more of the surfaces of the blocks.

Preferably, each block includes directly beneath the surface anidentification device for each character on the block that is capable oftransmitting a signal uniquely representative of the character. When aparticular block is placed on the working platform in a particularlocation, a sensor associated with that location detects theidentification of the block.

The working platform includes a data processing device such as acomputer, and digital circuitry that receives as an input the locationand the identification of the detected block. The digital circuitryconverts this information into a computer usable form and sends it via adata line into the computer.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings inwhich:

FIG. 1 is an isometric representation of the educational systemaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric representation of an alternative embodiment ofthe educational system according to the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of the processing device accordingto the present invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic representation of the character identificationtransmission system according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the character identification and blocklocation systems within the character blocks and working platformaccording to the present invention;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the block location system within theworking platform according to an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 7 is a top view of the block location system within the workingplatform according to an alternative embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment of the inventionshown in FIG. 7; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic of a working platform controller according to anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention will now be described with reference to FIGS. 1–9which in general relate to an education system for teaching children orother individuals language and/or arithmetic. In a preferred embodiment,the system would be utilized by children to spell words and/or toindicate a mathematical result. However, it is understood that thepresent invention may be utilized by any individual to provide one ormore computer-recognizable characters in a desired sequence, generallyin response to computer generated questions or prompts.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the present invention preferably includes aplurality of blocks 20, each containing an alphanumeric character on asurface thereof. The alphanumeric characters may include letters,numbers and/or punctuation marks. In an alternative embodiment of theinvention, it is contemplated that the blocks 20 include pictures orsymbols such as the sun, moon, animals, etc., in addition to or insteadof the alphanumeric characters. In a further embodiment of the presentinvention, the blocks may include characters made up of raised dots thatform braille letters, numbers and other braille characters.

A character on a surface of a block 20 may be defined by being adifferent color than the rest of the block surface surrounding thecharacter. The character may additionally be raised or lowered relativeto the block surface containing the character. In the embodiment of theinvention including braille characters, the characters would of coursebe at a different elevation relative to the block surface surroundingthe characters.

The blocks 20 are preferably formed of durable and wear-resistantmaterial capable of withstanding substantial shock due to throwing ofthe block or other similar impacts. Moreover, the blocks are preferablyformed of a non-toxic material to avoid injury in the event a childattempts to put the block in his or her mouth. A preferred material isany of several high strength polycarbonates. However, several othermaterials may be used, such as for example wood and metal. Preferably,the material should allow character-recognition components, certainembodiments of which described hereinafter, to be included with theblocks 20 during block fabrication. Moreover, to make the blockssuitable for use by children, the blocks should be large enough not tofit entirely within a child's mouth, should have all edges rounded, andshould be light weight to prevent injury if thrown. It is understoodthat the above-described characteristics of the blocks that make themsuitable for use by children may be omitted in alternative embodimentsof the present invention.

The blocks are used in conjunction with a processing device 22, whichmay include in part a conventional computer. As shown in the isometricview of FIG. 1 and the schematic representation shown in FIG. 3, theprocessing device 22 preferably includes a conventional data storagedevice 23 for storing data, a conventional monitor 24 for visualdisplay, a conventional speaker 26 for audio playback, a workingplatform 28 for supporting the blocks 20 and for generatingcharacter-identification and block information, and a conventionalcentral processing unit (“CPU”) 30 capable of executing softwareinstructions, and capable of communicating with the data storage device23, the monitor 24, the speaker 26, and the working platform 28. It isunderstood that one or the other of the monitor 24 and speaker 26 may beomitted in alternative embodiments of the present invention. It is alsounderstood that the data storage device 23 may be omitted in alternativeembodiments of the invention.

Moreover, as shown in the alternative embodiment of FIG. 2, theprocessing device 22 may be contained within a unitary enclosure, theupper surface of which forms the working platform 28. In the embodimentshown in FIG. 2, the CPU 30, the data storage device 23, and the speaker26 may be included within the enclosure.

Once a block is located on the working platform, the platform generatesa signal for use by an application program running on the processingdevice 22 as explained hereinafter. The generation processes in theworking platform are controlled by a microprocessor 55 (FIG. 9) in theworking platform. As described in greater detail below, themicroprocessor 55 scans the working platform for placement of one ormore blocks thereon. Upon detection of the placement of a block on theworking platform, the microprocessor 55 encodes the location andidentification information into an encoded binary message. The messageis then sent preferably over a dedicated line 32 to the processingdevice 22.

The line 32 is preferably bi-directional so the processing device 22 cansend commands or other information to the working platform. For example,in the embodiments described below in which the working platformcomprises a touch-sensitive display screen (preferably, flat panel), thebi-directional line allows the processing device 22 to display images onthe flat panel screen to facilitate interaction between the applicationsoftware and user thereof.

In an alternative embodiment, line 32 my be omitted and replaced by awireless digital communication link between the processing device 22 andworking platform 28. Advantageously, according to this embodiment, theworking platform may be used a greater distance from the processingdevice 22 without concern over extension wires.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 4–5, each block 20 is capable of outputtinga character identification signal that uniquely represents the characterindicated on the upper surface of the block. The working platform 28serves to support the blocks 20, to generate character identificationinformation for a block based on the character identification signaloutput from that block, and also to generate location informationindicating the location of a block 20 relative to each other block 20 onthe working platform. The working platform forwards the block locationinformation and the character identification information to theprocessing device 22 via the line 32 coupling the working platform 28with the CPU 30. The working platform 28 further includes a button 34which initiates the generation of the block location information andcharacter identification information by the working platform, and alsotriggers the transfer of the information to the processing device 22.(In an alternative embodiment, in operation the block locationinformation and the character identification information arecontinuously generated and transmitted to the processing device 22.) Itis understood that structures other than button 34 may be used inalternative embodiments, such as for example a conventional mouse.

In operation, when a user of the system according to the presentinvention is finished arranging the blocks 20 on the platform 28, theuser depresses button 34, and the generation and transfer of informationis initiated. In a preferred embodiment, the block location informationand character identification information may converted to a digitalsignal, which may be transmitted over the line 32 to the CPU 30. Theblock location and character identification information may be storedand transferred as a multiple bit word, containing both block locationinformation and character identification information. It is understoodthat the number of bits used to transmit the digital signal may vary inalternative embodiments of the present invention.

The character identification information and the block locationinformation may be generated by any of several known technologies. Asshown in FIGS. 4 and 5, each block 20 preferably includes a transmissionsystem 36 mounted within the block proximate to a surface of the blockopposed to the surface including the character. Known transmissionsystems are sufficiently small so as to allow one or more such systemsto be provided within the block. In one embodiment of the presentinvention, the transmission system includes a receiver 38, amicroprocessing chip 40, and a transmitter 42. The microprocessing chip40 is powered by an energizing signal, in the form of an electromagneticwave received from the working platform 28, as explained in greaterdetail below. Receipt of the energizing signal allows the transmissionsystem to operate without an on-board power source. The energizingsignal is received in the chip 40 via the receiver 38. Once energized,the chip emits the character identification signal including encodedinformation uniquely representative of the character on the block. Thecharacter information signal is forwarded by the transmitter 42 to theworking platform 28, where the signal is converted to a digital signalvia an analog-to-digital converter (not shown). Systems such astransmission system 36 are commercially available from SensorEngineering Co., Hamden, Conn. 06517.

It is understood that other known technologies may be utilized tocommunicate the identity of the character on a block 20 to the workingplatform 28. For example, block 20 may include a transmission system 36comprised of magnetically encoded data uniquely representative of thecharacter on the block. The magnetically encoded data may be read by oneor more sensors such as transducers provided within the workingplatform. In a further embodiment of the present invention, each blockhaving a different character may have a different weight, which weightis sensed by the working platform to identify the character. It isfurther contemplated that the working platform and the surface of theblock supported adjacent thereto may be transparent so that thetransmission system may be any of various optical systems. It isunderstood that various other known technologies may be used to generatethe character identification signal within working platform 28.

The blocks 20 may include between one and six characters on itsrespective surfaces. In a preferred embodiment, a block 20 will includea transmission system within the block for each of the characters on thesurfaces of the block. Thus, for example, in an embodiment where a block20 includes six characters, the block will includes six differenttransmission systems, with each character/transmission system pairprovided proximate to opposed surfaces from each other. It is understoodthat a block may include less transmission systems than there arecharacters on the block. In such an embodiment, the transmission systemwill transmit a particular character identification depending on theorientation of the block 20 on the working platform, i.e., depending onwhich character was showing on the top surface of the block.

It is necessary to identify not only the character information, but alsothe location of a block on the working platform relative to other blocksso as to allow identification of whole words, phrases and/ormathematical results. Therefore, the working platform includes one ofvarious known block location systems. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 5,working platform 28 includes a grid of readers 44. The grid of readersare intended to operate with the transmission system described aboveincluding receiver 38, microprocessing chip 40, and transmitter 42. Eachreader emits the energizing signal described above to energize themicroprocessor chip 40 of a block 20. The microprocessor chip then emitsthe character identification signal back to the reader via thetransmitter 42 whereupon the signal is converted to a digital signal asexplained above. Readers such as readers 44 are commercially availablefrom Sensor Engineering Co., Hamden, Conn. 06517.

The readers 44 and transmission system 36 are configured such that aparticular reader 44 will only receive a character identification signalfrom a block 20 if that block 20 is located proximately thereto. In oneembodiment of the invention, a reader will only receive a characteridentification signal from a block located 2 to 4 inches away. With sucha system, it is possible that more than one reader 44 will detect aparticular block. However, based on the number of readers within theworking platform and the distance range over which a reader will detecta particular block, the microprocessor 55 is able to determine thelocation of the detected block 20 on the working platform. Byidentifying which reader receives a particular character identificationsignal, a block location signal associated with that characteridentification signal may also be generated.

It is understood that other known technologies may be utilized togenerate the block location signal. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, agrid may be set up as described above, but comprised of a plurality ofemitters 46 for emitting the energizing signal. The system may furthercomprise a single reader 47 for receiving a character identificationsignal. In order to generate the block location information signal, themicroprocessor 55 may control the emitters 46 to fire the energizingsignal one emitter at a time. Thus, breaking the emitter grid into acartesian plane of x,y coordinates, the emitter at 1,1 fires theenergizing signal at a time t₁. If there is a block 20 locatedthereabove, its chip is energized and a character identification signalis transmitted to the reader 47. Each emitter 46 fires the energizingsignal at a different time. The time t at which each emitter fires itsenergizing signal is known. Thus, by identifying the time at which acharacter identification signal is received in the reader 47, theemitter 46 which caused the generation of the character identificationsignal may be determined, and the block location signal may thus begenerated.

In a further embodiment of the present invention, the block locationsystem within the working platform may comprise a single reader, such asfor example one of the readers 44 shown in FIG. 5, capable of bothtransmitting an energizing signal and receiving a characteridentification signal. In this embodiment, the reader is mounted fortranslation so that the reader is moved across the entire surface of theworking platform. When a character identification signal is sensed bythe reader, the position of the reader is noted, and the block locationsignal associated with the sensed character identification signal isgenerated.

Grids of various other known configurations may be utilized in the blocklocation system in alternative embodiments of the invention. Forexample, a grid of wires may be provided within the working platform,together with a single reader as described above capable of bothtransmitting an energizing signal and receiving a characteridentification signal. In this embodiment, in addition to transmittingthe character identification signal, each block also emits a magneticfield. Thus, when a block 20 is placed on the working platform, acharacter identification signal is generated. The magnetic field of thatblock also generates a current in one or more of the wires of the grid,from which the location of the block may be determined. Alternatively,the grid of wires may be energized sequentially much in the same way asdescribed in connection with FIG. 6 to induce a magnetic field tofacilitated detection of the location and identification of the blocks.

A further embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8,where the position of each block 20 on the working platform may bedetermined by a pair of sensors 48 a and 48 b. The sensors 48 a, 48 bare preferably provided at the upper corners of the working platform.However, the sensors 48 a, 48 b may alternatively be located at thelower corners, at the left or right corners, or spaced from each otheralong a side of the working platform. When a reader 44 or an emitter 46sends an energizing signal to energize a chip 40 as described above, thechip in this embodiment generates both a character identification signaland a proximity signal. The proximity signal is transmitted to both ofthe sensors 48 a and 48 b. Once a proximity signal is received in thesensors 48 a and 48 b, the signal may be used to determine the distancebetween the chip 40 and the sensors 48 a, 48 b, respectively, by knowntechnology. Such technologies include surface wave acoustics,measurement of the EM field emanating from the chip, or measurement ofthe time it takes for the signal to reach the sensors 48 a, and 48 b.Once the distance between a block 20 and the sensors 48 a and 48 b,respectively, is determined, the precise location of the block 20 on theworking platform 28 may be calculated by triangulation. It is understoodthat in an embodiment of the invention, the character identificationsignal may also act as the proximity signal.

As shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 7, the sensors 48 a, 48 bare preferably located in a lower portion of the working platform 28 sothat the proximity signal of a first block does not interfere with aproximity signal of a second block located between the first block andthe sensors 48 a, 48 b.

It is understood that other known technologies for generating thecharacter identification and block location information may be used inalternative embodiments of the invention. For example, a furtherembodiment of the invention incorporating many of the featurespreviously described to identify the location and identification of theplacement of a block on the working platform includes the use of aplatform that is able to detect the image of the impression of the blockon the platform, hereinafter referred to as image-sensitive platforms.Examples of image-sensitive platforms include touch-sensitive surfaces,such as those frequently used in many automated teller machines, oroptically-sensitive screens, such as a screen employing one or morearrays of imaging mechanisms, such as charge-coupled devices.

In this embodiment, the placement of a particular block on theimage-sensitive platform creates a unique impression on theimage-sensitive screen. The location of this impression is alsodetectable by the microprocessor 55. For example, in touch-sensitivedisplays, the controller is able to identify the location of theimpression by identifying the pixel or pixels associated with theimpressions of the block on the platform. Similarly, inoptically-sensitive screens, the controller is able to identify thelocation of the impression by identifying the array of charge-coupleddevices detecting the impression of the block on the platform. Theidentification of this impression is also detectable by themicroprocessor 55. By known imaging techniques, the controller cancompare the detected impression information with a plurality of imagesstored in memory to recognize the identification of the block.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the working platform mayhave a fixed number of discrete locations into which blocks may only beplaced. This is preferably accomplished by providing a fixed number ofindentations approximately the size of the block on the surface of theworking platform. Typically, the indentations may be a quarter of aninch deep. The indentations may be arranged either in a single row orcolumn or in a multi-dimensional array. According to this embodiment,there would exist only a fixed number of locations on the workingplatform in which a block may be located. There are advantagesassociated with this embodiment. Because there are only a fixed numberof locations on the working platform in which a block may be placed, thegeneration of block location and identification information issimplified. In this embodiment, it is possible to have only one readeror sensor associated with each discrete location. The possibility thatmore than one reader or sensor will detect more than one particularblock is greatly reduced or eliminated.

In operation, when a block is placed on the working platform and themicroprocessor 55 has recognized its location and identification, aseries of actions are set into motion. The microprocessor 55 encodes thelocation and identification information into an binary messagecompatible with protocols of today's personal computers. An example ofsuch a protocol is set forth in Frank Van Gilluwe, The PC Undocumented,A Programmer's Guide to I/O, CPUs, and Fixed Memory Areas. As shown onFIG. 9, the microprocessor 55 sends an encoded message over line 32. Theline 32 is connected to the processing device 22 via any of theprocessing device's many input/output connectors (e.g., mouse connector,keyboard connector or the parallel or serial ports) A controller 56 inthe processing device 22 receives the encoded message. The controller 56translates the encoded message into a system value and places the valueinto a buffer 57. The controller 56 then issues an interrupt request viainterrupt control 58 indicating that data is available in output buffer57. The operating system of the processing device 22 or applicationprogram running thereon uses an interrupt to access the buffer 57 viaCPU 30. Various interrupt functions are used to find and retrieve blockinformation and to determine the block information in the buffer 57.

The controller 56 in the processing device 22 communicates with theworking platform over line 32. A synchronized clock line is providedfrom the controller 56 to the working platform via microprocessor 55when data are sent from the working platform. Preferably, informationover line 32 is sent in an 11-bit serial frame consisting of a startbit, 8 data bits, an odd parity bit and a stop bit. It is understoodthat different length frames and different configurations of the framesconsistent with the processing device 22 are contemplated by the presentinvention. Internal to the working platform is a first-in-first-outbuffer 59. Preferably, this buffer 59 holds up to 20 bytes ofinformation although a platform buffer of smaller or great size iscontemplated within the present invention.

In the idle state, both the data and clock lines are high. To beginsending the data to the processing device 22, the working platform sendsthe start bit on the line 32. The controller 56 responds by starting theclock line, with the first clock pulse going low. The clock iscontinued, with the working platform sending each bit in turn. At the11th clock, the working platform sends the stop bit, and the clock lineresumes its idle state.

Depending on the configuration of the working platform, the data sentfrom the working platform to the controller 56 normally includes one ormore of the following: block identification information, block locationinformation, and/or commands. A placement of a block on the workingplatform may result in the transmission of identification informationalone, location information alone, or both identification and locationinformation to the keyboard controller. While a block is moved on theworking platform, the working platform transmits the identification ofthe moved block and the new locations of the block on the workingplatform. When a block is removed from the working platform, the workingplatform will transmit a removal code along with identification of theblock removed.

In operation, the above-described hardware is preferably used withsoftware applications which, in general, prompt a child to arrange theblocks 20 in a particular configuration on the working platform 28. Theprompt can be, for example, a question that either appears visually onthe monitor 24 or is played over the speaker 26. Once the child hasarranged the blocks 20 in what he or she believes to be the correctresponse to the question, the button 34 is depressed, the microprocessor55 generates the character identification and block locationinformation, and the result is sent to the CPU 30 (it is understood thatthe microprocessor 55 may continuously generates characteridentification and block location information as blocks are set down andlifted from the working platform). The CPU 30 then indicates to thechild whether or not that response is correct. If the response isincorrect, the software can prompt the child to try again.

It is understood that the software may be written to ask a wide varietyof questions, appropriate for children of various ages and educationallevels. For example, the child may be prompted to spell a series ofwords, either audibly over the speaker, or by showing a picture of theobject to be spelled on the monitor. In one embodiment, the softwareprogram may branch to more difficult or simple questions, depending onthe number of correct previous answers. In a further embodiment intendedfor children first learning the alphabet, the child may randomly place ablock on the working platform, and the software then audibly indicatesthe sound of the letter, and shows a number of words including thatletter.

The applications software may be stored within the system on the datastorage device 23, loaded onto the system from a from a floppy drive, orreceived into the system from a remote location over data transmissionlines.

It is understood that the software and/or hardware according to thepresent invention may be provided for operation by individuals otherthan children. For example, as indicated above, the characters on thesurfaces of the blocks 20 may be braille characters to teach individualsthe braille language.

In a further embodiment, the blocks 20 may comprise tiles having lettersand numbers thereon such as those on the tiles of the board gameScrabble®. In this embodiment, the processing device 22 may beconfigured to read words formed both vertically and horizontally, andthe software may include an encoded dictionary in memory. Thus, thepresent invention may operate as an electronic Scrabble® game, whereletter sequences are formed on the board, and the processing device 22indicates whether the letter sequences in fact form words found in thestored dictionary.

Although the invention has been described in detail herein, it should beunderstood that the invention is not limited to the embodiments hereindisclosed. Various changes, substitutions and modifications may be madethereto by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit orscope of the invention as described and defined by the appended claims.

1. An interactive activity system for a user comprising: a firstelectronic display screen displaying a visual graphical environment forthe user, the graphical environment presenting the user with one or morevisual prompts, said prompts assisting to prompt the user to cognitivelyreact by manipulating one or more graspable objects; a supportstructure, said support structure having a work space including acontact-sensitive second electronic display screen capable of displayinggraphical images, said contact-sensitive electronic display screen beingseparate from the first electronic display screen and capable ofreceiving input from the user through the detection of the location ofone or more graspable objects placed on the work space and the path ofone or more graspable objects manipulated laterally across the workspace, said support structure also having a button not associated with akeyboard or numeric keypad with which the user can make entries into thesystem; one or more detectors associated with the contact-sensitivenature of the work space, the detectors being capable of generatinginformation corresponding to the location of the one or more graspableobjects placed on the work space and the path of the one or moregraspable objects manipulated laterally across the work space bydetecting a mechanical downward force generated by the user's placementor manipulation of the one or more graspable objects on the work space;and a processor capable of generating graphical images on at least oneof the first and second display screens, recognizing actuation of thebutton by the user, receiving information corresponding to the locationof the one or more graspable objects placed on the work space and thepath of the one or more graspable objects manipulated laterally acrossthe work space and generating feedback to the user.
 2. A system asrecited in claim 1, further comprising an audio output device capable ofproviding one or more audio prompts assisting to prompt the user tocognitively react by manipulating one or more graspable objects.
 3. Asystem as recited in claim 1, further comprising a loadable memory.
 4. Asystem as recited in claim 2, wherein the audio output device is furthercapable of providing audio feedback to the user depending on thelocation of the one or more graspable objects placed or manipulated onthe work space.
 5. An interactive activity system for a user comprising:a first electronic display screen displaying a visual graphicalenvironment for the user, the graphical environment presenting the userwith one or more visual prompts, said prompts assisting to prompt thechild to cognitively react by manipulating one or more graspableobjects; a support structure, said support structure having a work spaceincluding a contact-sensitive second electronic display screen capableof displaying graphical images, said contact-sensitive electronicdisplay screen being separate from the first electronic display screenand capable of receiving input from the user through the detection ofthe location of one or more graspable objects placed on the work spaceand the path of one or more graspable objects manipulated laterallyacross the work space, said support structure also having a button notassociated with a keyboard or numeric keypad with which the user canmake entries into the system; one or more detectors associated with thecontact-sensitive nature of the work space, the detectors being capableof generating information corresponding to the location of the one ormore graspable objects placed on the work space and the path of the oneor more graspable objects manipulated laterally across the work space;and a processor capable of generating graphical images on at least oneof the first and second electronic display screens, recognizingactuation of the button, receiving information corresponding to thelocation of the one or more able objects placed on the work space andthe path of the one or more graspable objects manipulated laterallyacross the work space and generating feedback to the user.
 6. A systemas recited in claim 5, further comprising an audio output device capableof providing one or more audio prompts assisting to prompt the user tocognitively react by manipulating one or more graspable objects.
 7. Asystem as recited in claim 5, further comprising a loadable memory.
 8. Asystem as recited in claim 6, wherein the audio output device is furthercapable of providing audio feedback to the user depending on thelocation of the one or more graspable objects, placed or manipulated onthe work space.